One of Welwyn Garden City’s most determined fundraisers has said she is delighted after receiving a letter of encouragement from Welwyn Hatfield’s MP.

Jodie Dillon, who is fighting breast cancer, is training to run the London Marathon next year in aid of Breast Cancer Care, and has inspired her local gym group to do fundraising of their own.

Grant Shapps wrote to Jodie Dillon after reading about her in the Welwyn Hatfield Times.

He wrote: “I am very inspired by your determination and strength and I applaud your efforts to raise awareness of the importance of early cancer diagnosis ... we are very lucky to have someone as charitable and selfless as you in our community.

“As someone who has suffered from cancer in the past I know just how gruelling the chemotherapy can be so to go through this whilst training for a marathon is truly awe inspiring!”

Jodie told the Welwyn Hatfield Times today: “When I saw ‘House of Commons’ on the letter, I thought I was being summoned for treason! I thought oh my god, why is someone that important talking to me?”

Jodie has had an overwhelming response to her efforts.

“I got a round of applause in the chemist the other day,” she said, laughing. “I don’t think I’m doing anything that amazing.”

Now, concerned about the time her recent tests have taken, she wants to speak up for the importance of early cancer diagnosis.

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